The Bachelor of Science in Education–Health and Physical Education provides emphasis on pedagogical content and application. This program prepares students with the knowledge and experience to instruct in various learning environments. Two specialty programs of study have been developed for this degree program, including the K-12 Teacher Education Certification Track and two non-teacher certification tracks, Community Health Education and Recreation and Leisure Studies. These programs provide students with the theory, strategy, and application necessary to work with individuals in various instructional settings. Each program provides an interdisciplinary experience that prepares students for specific career paths as well as multiple credentialing options.
K-12 Teacher Education
The Health and Physical Education Teacher Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Requirements for the bachelor of science in education degree program in health and physical education include the university’s Liberal Studies requirements, Professional Education requirements, and the Health and Physical Education core requirements. Upon completion of the degree program and successfully passing the Praxis exam, the student is qualified for an Instructional I Certificate in Health and Physical Education, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Harrisburg. This certificate is valid for teaching health and physical education in grades K-12 for three years in the public schools of Pennsylvania. All students seeking Pennsylvania certification must follow the 3-Step Process described in the section “Admission to Teacher Education and Certification” found in the College of Education and Communications section of this catalog.
The Health and Physical Education curriculum identifies a required core of studies that emphasizes a body of knowledge relevant to the study of professional health and physical education, as well as the study of physical education and sport. Courses contained in the core are those that are intended to enable students to identify and solve problems by applying relevant knowledge and also to engage in self-directed learning.
Candidates for degree programs in health and physical education must demonstrate acceptable cognitive and psychomotor qualifications as well as desirable character and personality traits. The professional programs seek to foster those qualities of individual character and competence that are inherent in personal and professional maturity. Specific competencies and curriculum requirements are defined within each degree-specific program, and student progress is supervised by the academic advisor.
See requirements leading to teacher certification, titled “3-Step Process for Teacher Education,” in the College of Education and Communications section of this catalog.